Unfurled

Finally, this blog would not have closure without reference to “the fiddlehead” that I have alluded to throughout my blogging. The fiddlehead is now unfurled (above left)to represent an emergence of new ideas and experiences (from this course) for us to implement and draw upon as emerging teachers. We should also seek to unfurl the creative sprits represented by the numerous little fiddleheads (right) in our classrooms. Take care,

Reflection

Upon reflecting on this course I think it has been important for us to understand that creativity flows at different levels and expressed in varying degrees. I don’t believe in the phrase, “I’m not a creative person,” as I alluded to in one of my prior blogs. It just takes that precious time we are in so short supply of to explore or “identify” a distinguishable artistic ability. Either that, or we pass it off as not meeting the “im a creative person critieria.” Certainly singing, drama, visual arts, and music are “the arts," but there is so much more. We can teach our students to think creatively about the subjects they learn whether that be in math (as Stephanie referred to in her blog), Science (as seen in Erin’s blog), poems and writing to the soul (Sherry’s blog), elements of photography (everyones blog), and symbology (numerous blogs).

Final blog? Well perhaps.....

Well, I will refrain from using “final blog” because blogging is something with our own classrooms. My practicum school was setting up a blogging system with the grade 7 class for students to communicate with other students about their some of their work and thoughts about their work. In an era of technology I think its an excellent idea if its done properly and tightly controlled for privacy issues etc., it becomes very powerful for students knowing that other classmates are looking at their work, and care enough to comment about their work. The school was using this as their guide for implementation http://classblogmeister.com/ The teacher librarian was very excited about it and there are many many examples of schools that do this already.

Snow Shoes

I have a very meticulous and detailed father who has made snowshoes since he was in his 20s. He collects the maple, steams it and presses it (make more plyable and strong), and gets the lacing from deer (sometimes cow hide). He puts hours and hours into the process out in his “trapping shed” back home. There very very well made and so much time and detail put into every lace and bend in the

wood to make it just right. He has made a few pairs for himself and one for each of us in his family… it’s a long process though and does it in his spare time. My brother and I believe this is something we should also take up (when we have the space to do so) in the near future to expand our own creative horizons.